We are approaching the try-out phase of the year. This is an exciting time for the club as we get to evaluate new players looking to join our teams and we have the opportunity to form new teams. Thus far we have had an overwhelming response to our marketing campaign for the upcoming try-outs. We are expecting to improve all our teams and we are expecting to form new teams. I urge all of you to help make the new faces we see at tryouts feel welcomed and comfortable. I want you to share your experience as a parent and your child’s experience with those that are trying out. Our teams are loaded with disciplined players that love the game and our teams play the game the right way. Each of our players are patiently taught the skills needed to become an effective soccer player and more importantly taught the life skills needed to succeed as a human being. I think it’s important that parents attending our tryouts know that our club is unique and special.

I want to thank everyone that attended Medford Strikers’ Beef & Beer. The night was a huge success once again. The funds raised will be used strategically to help the club continue to grow. Thanks to everyone that helped put the event together; the sponsors, basket donators, and everyone that helped set up or stayed afterwards to clean up. I also want to thank Carli Lloyd for joining us and for her generous efforts to acquire valuable memorabilia for us to auction.

I am very proud of the direction our club is going. Over the last 6 years the Medford Strikers has made enormous strides as a club.  The biggest accomplishment and the one I’m most proud of is the family like atmosphere that is so evident at our club today. Our players feel like they are a part of a true club. Because our teams train at the same time and are all a part of a progressive curriculum, they feel the unity.  Everyone is treated fairly and everyone is sharing the same training environment. Our younger players look up to our older players, and the older players serve as real life role models for the younger players. Our teams play the same playing style and take the same steps to reach their potential. Seeing an older player encourage a younger player is a priceless moment and hearing the younger players talk about their favorite older players is not something heard at many clubs in our area.

We are definitely doing the right things on the field but I also feel like we are doing the right things off the field. Our volunteer parents are doing an excellent job working tirelessly to further improve and grow the club. Our board has done an exceptional job in helping the club get to this point. We have been able to make the training/playing environment safer, raise additional funds through fundraising, acquire sponsors and develop our youngster program. Without the help of these volunteers our club would not be in the position it is in today. I want to thank all involved.

2013/2014 appears set to be another fantastic year for the Medford Strikers Soccer Club. Soon it will be summer and a new cycle will begin. With the same effort from players, coaches and parents, the Strikers will once again provide its players with an environment that cannot be found elsewhere.

James Galanis

Technical Director

Medford Strikers Soccer Club